There is a local christian radio station that one of my friends works on as a commentator. He shared this story with me one morning.
Chris Baker is a tattoo artist, something that many Christians would turn their noses up at and consider "questionable". Indeed, his arms are literally adorned with entire "sleeves" of ink. It's what he's devoted his life to.
Then Chris met Christ.
Chris became the leader of a local youth group, who have devoted themselves to cleaning up the streets of their broken city by any and all means available to them.
"...they came up with the idea to paint artistic murals over the walls of buildings defaced by gang graffiti. That idea set in motion the answer to the prayer Chris had been praying since he had discovered faith in Jesus as an adult, "God, show me what I can do to serve and bless people."
Chris realized gang markings went beyond graffiti on buildings; gangs relied on body-altering tattoos to signify everything from allegiance to the gang hierarchy to keeping tallies of violent criminal activity. He realized his greatest artistic love, tattoos, was to become his ministry calling, covering up the markings of dark and destructive lifestyles with beautiful works of art. INK 180 was born.
It was during a meeting with Homeland Security's gang division that Chris was invited to discuss his ministry with another unit, the human trafficking operations. Suddenly, Chris was invited into a horrific underground world few see clearly in the United States.
Hundreds of young women, many of whom are domestic victims & runaways, held captive by organized crime, gangs, drug dealers. By lies, abuse and threats they are forced into human trafficking and are typically tattooed by their captors so they can be tracked back and returned to their 'owners.' Chris covers up their vile markings.
Chris has covered hundreds of tattoos since he began in October of 2011. Chris provides his time, supplies, artwork, entirely free of charge. <staff edit> beautiful second chances are totally free, already paid in full by the One who paid it all."
What I DO ask of you is simply prayers for this fellow brother in Christ, whom I truly want to succeed and be a shining example for those who have been captives and victims of cruel and evil men, protecting them from being found by their captors a second time, showing them the love of Jesus and offering them hope and compassion from our Father.
Also, if you want to send him a letter of encouragement, advice or a written prayer, I can give you his address for that purpose as well.
Blessings to you all
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